Transcript Highlights:

• convening the Committee on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts on our 1:00 p.m. agenda here in State Capitol
• And, uh, yeah, and I think that you have made public remarks to your views, your maybe your personal
• views on landfills.
• , made public remarks to um your views, made public remarks to um your views, your<00:51:33.120><
• :34.200> on your maybe your personal views on your maybe your personal views on landfills.<00:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several gubernatorial nominations for confirmation, beginning with GM 788 for Karen Knudsen to the Hawaii Sister State and International Partnerships Commission. DBEDT strongly supported her nomination, describing her decades of Asia-Pacific and East-West Center experience. Senators asked about the new commission structure, confirming that the old committee was abolished and replaced by a five-voting-member commission with two governor appointees before the Senate, other ex officio and legislative appointees, and one OHA vacancy still pending. Knudsen said the commission would help review new sister-state and international partnership proposals, while existing relationships would remain in place. Members also discussed the commission’s lack of a separate budget and its use of DBEDT international relations funding. The committee then moved to GM 789 for Wesley Fong to the same commission; DBEDT supported him based on his military, legal, and international trade background. A concern was raised that he also served on the State Ethics Commission, and Fong stated he had resigned from that post effective the 20th of the month to avoid a conflict. Senators questioned his reasons for leaving ethics, and he explained that his term was ending and he wanted to continue public service in a role aligned with his background in international agreements, education, and Indo-Pacific relations. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The committee next considered GM 769 for Patrick Branco to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The foundation and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both testified in strong support. Branco appeared by Zoom and said he was currently on temporary military orders on the East Coast, but had prior experience in public diplomacy as cultural attaché in Caracas and had worked on Fulbright and cultural exchange efforts. The committee then took up GM 770 for Makanani Salā to the same board. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported her nomination, and Noe Wong-Wilson testified in person, citing Salā’s work at Windward Community College and her role in organizing the Best Fest festival, saying she would bring Hawaiian cultural perspective to the foundation. Salā said her county experience included arts, culture, and sister-city work, and that she would emphasize public-private partnerships and helping other agencies use the foundation’s expertise. Members briefly discussed FESTPAC and its rotating international location. Finally, the committee heard GM 767 for Miles Miyatso to the Land Use Commission. The Land Use Commission and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both supported the nomination, and Avalon Development Company was listed but did not appear on Zoom. The discussion in the provided transcript ended during this item, with no vote or final action shown for the nominations covered.

Transcript Highlights:

• side of agriculture, but maybe innovative designs and different creativity and different points of view
• c> can<00:15:51.880> bring<00:15:52.079> back<00:15:52.480> and points of view
• that I can bring back and points of view that I can bring back and innovate<00:15:53.120> our
• friendly So, I I view this as a friendly amendment. amendment. amendment.
• We view this as a state problem.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I've been here, to the Capitol, speaking about the same thing, so it's just Very frustrating for me
• We're proud to be at the Capitol fighting for our customers access. to their preferred products.
• We have completely different political views, and we absolutely disagree.
• So our views are totally different.
• Today, I and over a thousand other Texans have traveled to the Capitol today to have our voices heard

Bills: HB 28, SB 3

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, HB28, public testimony, committee decorum, bill substitute, legislative process

Summary: The meeting featured significant discussions regarding HB28, where the chair outlined the plans to bring forward a substitute for the bill. The chair emphasized the importance of maintaining order and decorum during the proceedings. Members engaged in deliberations, and a number of public witnesses were invited to testify, thereby enriching the discussion around the bill. This interaction provided valuable insights into public sentiment regarding the issues at hand.

Transcript Highlights:

• God only knows what they were promised in order to cave and change their views.
• c><04:00:25.479> to<04:00:25.640> change<04:00:26.000> their<04:00:26.560> views
• <04:00:27.560> but<04:00:27.720> for to Cave to change their views but for to Cave
• to change their views but for the<04:00:28.040> last<04:00:28.279> two<04:00:28.560>
• title of the resolution: Senate Concurrent Resolution 3, authorizing the use of the Rotunda of the Capitol

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, January 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To ensure everyone can view, hear, and understand today's proceedings, we ask for your cooperation in
• 00:04:19.440> ensure<00:04:19.919> everyone<00:04:20.479> can<00:04:20.720> view
• To ensure everyone can view, process.
• To ensure everyone can view, hear,<00:04:21.440> and<00:04:21.759> understand<00:04:22.240
• Uh, in my view, there are obviously different standards.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with a pretty fun presentation with the Minnesota Zoo, whose infrastructure needs we were able to view
• know what the expectation is and why she's done so great in a whole new habitat here today at the Capitol

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Minnesota Zoo presented its infrastructure and animal health needs to the committee, beginning with an educational demonstration featuring Aspen, a North American porcupine. Staff used the animal to explain porcupine biology and correct common myths, including that porcupines cannot shoot their quills and that the quills are not poisonous. Members asked about the animal’s natural predators and care, and staff explained that porcupines are protected by their quills but can still be preyed on by animals such as bobcats, cougars, great horned owls, and fishers. Zoo leadership then shifted to the facility request, describing the zoo as a major state attraction and education center with about 1.4 to 1.5 million annual visitors, nearly 100,000 students served, and significant economic impact. They said the 50-year-old campus is in poor condition, with a third of its 125 structures in poor or crisis condition and more than $78 million in deferred maintenance, creating safety risks for visitors, staff, and animals. The zoo said it is seeking to use the governor’s recommended $4 million for critical life-support and infrastructure needs. The main funding request discussed was an additional $6 million for the zoo’s animal hospital project. Zoo officials explained that the original plan for a standalone new hospital was no longer affordable, so they are now proposing a new wing attached to the existing A Building hospital. The extra funds would renovate A Building for staff, storage, and support spaces, remove asbestos, meet code, and improve safety so the new hospital can function as intended. Members asked about incidents at the zoo, and staff described examples such as close calls with animal enclosures and injuries tied to aging facilities and outdated equipment. No vote or formal action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've shown the film to the Texas Legislature Auditorium as well as to Capitol Hill, as Mr.
• Senate Bill 75 seeks to address grid security, but it does so without a comprehensive view of the system

Bills: SB34, SB75, SB330, SB1535, SB18, SB 18, SB 34

Keywords: wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading, fuel reduction, firefighting equipment database, emergency communications, disaster preparedness, rural fire protection, asset hardening, natural resource management, emergency management, large wildfire risk, fire grant funding, fire suppression, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope you maybe at least got to enjoy the Capitol while you waited around today.
• It was dominion and control, and so that's how they're going to view it. Thank you.

Bills: SB 36, HB 1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023

Keywords: transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax, employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a bronze statue in the Capitol grounds. of a Texas cowboy riding what looks like a brown bronc
• Number one, I do view myself as having a having a very crisp understanding of fiduciary roles.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• preparation students are fortunate to receive a glimpse of the legislative work that takes place at the Capitol
• honor cultural heritage, with food, dance, and in Long Beach, a parade and cultural festival that is viewed

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I worked as an adjunct professor at Prairie View A&M University for five years.
• It's an honor to be here today, my first time at the State Capitol.

Bills: HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• E-Verify for employees who are employed to provide service on the grounds or in the building of the Capitol
• Are employed to provide service on the grounds or in the building of the Capitol complex to be checked
• e-verify for employees who are employed to provide service on the grounds or in the building of the Capitol
• Other than, I believe this provision was viewed as violating the financial or penalty section that the

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We should have removed it out because we view this as cleanup.
• On the 17th and Capitol parking space, I was there yesterday, and I actually had to park on the roof.
• you worked there many years ago, we had five-year waits, five- or six-year waits for the 17th and Capitol
• The Capitol Annex project has almost tripled from the original amount to about $1.5 billion.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an informational update on the state’s generative AI implementation and related oversight. Administration officials said several proof-of-concept projects have moved into minimum viable product phases, including work at CDTFA and Caltrans, and that CDPH has a May Revision request for up to $8 million to scale up its healthcare facilities inspections project. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the administration to publish a report on lessons learned from each POC and recommended limiting the new generative AI approval process to a pilot through the first two rounds of projects, with continued monthly meetings and stronger legislative oversight. Members pressed for more transparency and questioned why the CDPH request was not included in January; the administration said the cost estimate was not available then and that only one project is seeking additional resources beyond existing departmental budgets. The committee then reviewed a proposed $400 million loan from the Labor and Workforce Development Fund to the General Fund. Finance and the Labor Agency said the fund has grown because civil penalty revenues have risen sharply, and the loan would be repaid in 2029-30 with provisional language allowing earlier repayment if needed. The LAO agreed the fund could support the loan but warned that recent PAGA reforms may reduce future revenues. Public commenters, including labor and community groups, argued the money should instead support labor-law enforcement and outreach programs such as CWOP, and urged rejection of the loan. Members also heard a Department of Industrial Relations request for $19.1 million for phase two of Public Works Information Technology System Enhancements, which officials said will support labor-law enforcement and apprenticeship registration. The department said the project was delayed because a prior procurement did not result in a contract award and that completion is now expected in October 2026. The committee then took up an EDD Next reappropriation technical adjustment to extend UI fund spending authority through June 30, 2026; the LAO said the request was fine but again raised concerns about oversight of the larger modernization effort, which EDD said now totals more than $660 million and is expected to continue through 2029. Finally, the committee discussed DGS’s request for new parking facilities near the May Lee Building and a trailer bill shifting statewide telework policy language from DGS to CalHR while also expanding NDI eligibility for certain CEA employees. The LAO said the telework trailer bill should likely go through the policy committee process instead of budget, and union and employee witnesses strongly opposed it, arguing it would undermine bargaining rights and could be used to narrow telework. In a separate item on the governor’s return-to-office order, administration officials said departments are being directed to move to a four-day in-office expectation starting July 1, 2025, but they had no statewide cost estimate yet because departments are still assessing vacancies, exemptions, and space needs. Members criticized the lack of analysis and said the state should have clearer numbers before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We pray that as we work here at the Capitol, that we will do so with wisdom. We pray.
• Here at the Capitol, that we will do so with wisdom.
• Pro Tem, it's very clear to me that many members of this august body have not viewed the 40 hours of
• liberties from them, and that is just too serious of a thing for us to move forward this bill, in my view
• I think we do need reforms in this area, but SB 1112, in my view, is not the right way to go about it

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, received House messages and first-read a large number of bills, then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars. On Calendar 2, SB 1419 on solar energy inspection contractors was amended with a Carroll floor amendment and passed; a Sundareshan amendment aimed at requiring utilities to shield residential ratepayers from costs tied to large loads such as data centers was debated at length, but failed on a 12-15 division. SB 1498 (Department of Public Safety appropriation) and SB 1502 (unlawful flight/reckless endangerment) also received do-pass recommendations. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the Senate later rejected an attempt to add the failed data-center amendment to the report by a 13-14 vote. On Calendar 3, the Senate advanced SB 1165 (insurance cost sharing for breast exams), SB 1206 (storm-related insurance claims), SB 1212 (health insurance reimbursement rates for vaccines), SB 1215 (firefighters’ occupational disease/workers’ compensation), SB 1290 and SB 1291 (agricultural property notices/classification), and SB 1347 (fertility preservation coverage), with committee amendments adopted on most of them. A Warner substitute floor amendment to SB 1347 was adopted to address insurer concerns by allowing prior authorization with a 72-hour processing requirement and clarifying storage-cost responsibility. The Senate also retained SB 1503 on the calendar. On Calendar 1 and the additional calendars, the Senate advanced SB 1013 (public employees merit hiring), SB 1108 (cash transactions and rounding, with an emergency clause added), SB 1178 (naturopathic physicians), SB 1186 (document retention/proposals/donations), SB 1286 (veterinary visits and prescriptions), SB 1366 (commercial buildings and telecommunications), SB 1431 (municipal design prohibitions), SB 1671 (gaming/racing/boxing conflict-of-interest continuation), SB 1004 (ESA students’ interscholastic activities), SB 1116 (AHCCCS access/claims review/behavioral health), SB 1162 (health care institution licensing complaints), SB 1179 (group home monitoring), SB 1475 (school district governing boards/eligibility), SB 1821 (DCS training and child placement), and SCR 1012. Several floor amendments were debated and adopted or rejected, including a Kavanaugh emergency-clause amendment to SB 1108, a failed Sears amendment to SB 1178 on prescription drug price gouging, a failed Sundareshan transparency amendment to SB 1186, a failed Kavanaugh amendment to SB 1286 on veterinary prescriptions, a Gowan amendment to SB 1366, a Payne amendment to SB 1077, a Carroll amendment to SB 1479, a Petersen amendment to SB 1566, and an Angius amendment to SB 1018 expanding the definition of foreign law to include certain harmful practices. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and properly assigned the bills after each calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• that we ever locked down the door in a residence better than we could lock it up in a... inside the Capitol
• about $120 billion. right so it's a large it's a large deal but the status he has just just broad view
• There's really a lot that we could learn and glean from if we look in the rear view mirror. mirror.
• It was really an interesting phenomenon that no one wanted to look in the rear view mirror.
• oral testimony, public testimony You need to sign into a kiosk by noon tomorrow, have to be in the Capitol

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that was the first territorial Capitol.
• Waller Park is now what we call the west side of the Capitol, or the dolphin side of the Capitol sometimes
• part of the Capitol grounds.
• Capitol HVAC, so the heating, ventilation, and cooling systems for the Capitol were also, actually from
• And so I was interested in both the Capitol windows and the Capitol HVAC.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met to receive an overview and tour of Capitol complex construction projects funded through the Department of Management Services (DMS). Deputy Secretary Tom Berger gave a historical and project-by-project presentation on the Capitol campus, explaining the evolution of the historic Capitol and the current tower complex, and describing major ongoing work including the Waller Park west entry/ADA and waterproofing project, the east entry security screening area, Cabinet meeting room modernization, historic Capitol re-roofing, the large Capitol HVAC replacement, window replacement, Memorial Park improvements, the Holocaust Memorial, the North Loading Zone, and Knott Plaza upgrades. He noted that the Capitol windows and HVAC work are intended to address aging systems and improve resilience, security, and accessibility, and said the broader Capitol window project will continue over several years. Members asked questions about the African-American memorial, the old bank/archives building with water damage, the roofing material and expected lifespan, the legal definition of the Capitol complex, and the history of early legislative meetings in Pensacola and St. Augustine. Berger said the African-American memorial base is built and the installation should be completed in March or April, while the archives building is owned and managed by the Department of State. He also explained that the roof uses a slate-like material designed for a 50-year life cycle, though major storms could still damage it, and clarified that the Capitol complex can be defined differently in statute versus operationally. Chair Lopez and other members requested follow-up information, including a rendering of the African-American memorial and a table summarizing the Capitol investments and when the facilities were last updated, so members can better explain the spending to constituents. Berger said he would provide the requested information, and the committee then concluded the presentation and proceeded to the tour.

Transcript Highlights:

• day back in office, President Trump pardoned 1,500 people involved in the January 6th attack on the Capitol
• This is a big district with many needs, and advocacy doesn't just start at the Capitol steps. 2025 was
• They are going after students and permanent residents for their political views.
• /c> and permanent residents for their and permanent residents for their political<01:15:40.480> views
• They are going after political views.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:18.400> complex to, from, and around the Capitol complex to, from, and around the Capitol
• And so again, many, many doors throughout the Capitol areas that Capitol security and Capitol troopers
• throughout the Capitol areas that Capitol<00:12:31.200> security<00:12:31.519> and<00:
• 12:31.760> Capitol<00:12:32.160> troopers Capitol security and Capitol troopers Capitol
• That covers the Capitol area, which it's a large area.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So in my time here at the Capitol, I've always kind of fought for the little guy, being many times that's
• So when I’m being asked to come up and speak, we always view this through a patient safety lens.”
• And so, from our point of view as far as training, we are trained in all medications, the same as other
• There is more oversight from a naturopathic medical point of view than any other delivery method that
• But there is a more recent view that maybe that is the case, and so this law is trying to clarify that

Bills: SB1095, SB1114, SB1116, SB1162, SB1164, SB1178, SB1179, SB1249, SB1253, SB1346, SB1347, SB1446, SB1561, SB1813

Keywords: gender transition, minors, irreversible surgery, health professionals, puberty-blocking drugs, medical procedures, prohibition, Arizona Revised Statutes, behavioral health, patient brokering, appropriation, state funds, Maricopa County, claims review, medical necessity, American Indian health program, healthcare regulations, healthcare compliance, behavioral health technicians, licensing

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1114, which would appropriate $1 million to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to investigate behavioral health patient brokering statewide. Sponsor Sen. Karen Werner described the bill as a response to fraud involving vulnerable Native Americans and said the county attorney would investigate the whole state. Some members questioned why the Attorney General was not handling the work and whether the funding should go to a county office, while others supported the effort. The committee voted 10-1 with one present to give SB 1114 a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1116, which would require that denials or adverse appeal decisions on behavioral health claims for the American Indian Health Program be reviewed by someone with at least two years of relevant clinical experience. Access testified neutral but said the bill’s language was too broad and could increase appeals and staffing needs, estimating about $490,000 for eight FTEs. Sen. Werner said the bill was meant to prevent inappropriate denials by reviewers without relevant expertise. Members raised concerns about definitions and staffing, and the committee approved the bill 7-4 with one present. Senate Bill 1346 would require Access to notify providers of claim deficiencies within 72 hours and decide corrected claims within 10 business days. Supporters said the measure would reduce long delays and help providers stay afloat; Access said it was working on process improvements but warned the bill would require more staff and system changes, estimating about $580,000. The committee passed SB 1346 7-5. Senate Bill 1347, requiring insurance coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients at risk of infertility, drew strong support from cancer survivors and advocates, with insurers neutral; the committee passed it unanimously 12-0. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1813, which would require Arizona State Hospital admissions to be based on clinical need rather than county of residence. Supporters argued the Maricopa County cap unfairly delays treatment and is not required by the underlying court ruling, while ADHS warned the bill could conflict with the Arnold v. Sarn settlement and could shift access away from rural counties. After extensive discussion, the committee passed SB 1813 9-2 with one present. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 1178, which would allow naturopathic physicians to administer IV antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals; the initial testimony was largely opposed by medical associations on patient-safety and training grounds, with supporters yet to testify in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• , from a Texas constitutional point of view.
• I know that both sides of this issue see their view as the right and compassionate one, but with that
• But I am willing, and I know that each of you are too, to come back to the Capitol as many times as it
• Age Texans women's views on abortion and the types of policies that have been enacted by state lawmakers
• Views about abortion became more favorable across the board. much of the political spectrum.

Bills: SB10, SB16, SB6, SB 6, SB 10, SB 16

Keywords: trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, victims, criminal justice reform, victim rights, criminal justice, judicial reform, court procedures, mental health services, criminal penalties, court security, SB 6, Woman and Child Protection Act, abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, pro-life